The Edmonton Oilers (6-7-1) will face the Vancouver Canucks (7-2-3) on the road this Saturday night, with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 PM MT. The Oilers are coming off a late third-period loss to the Vegas Golden Knights this past Wednesday, ending the game with a score of 4-2. Edmonton was leading 2-1 heading into the third period but lost the advantage as Noah Hannifin scored two goals, including the game-winner with just 50 seconds left. The Canucks last played on Thursday night, where they secured a 4-2 victory against the LA Kings on the road.
Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid returned on Wednesday after being sidelined with an ankle injury against Columbus a couple of weeks ago. During his absence, Leon Draisaitl stepped up to keep the team competitive, but now they need to start climbing the standings again as they sit below 0.500. One positive aspect of their performance this season has been in the faceoff circle, ranking 4th best in the NHL with a win rate of 54.1%, close to Vancouver’s 51.6%.
However, Edmonton’s special teams have been struggling significantly this season. Their penalty kill is currently last in the NHL (32nd), operating at just 59.5%, which is a stark contrast to their success in the previous season. Their power play, typically a strength, ranks 26th in the NHL, converting only 14.3% of the time. The Oilers need to capitalize on opportunities tonight against the Canucks, particularly during power plays, by taking more shots and improving their defensive play. The Canucks’ goaltender, Kevin Lankinen, has won three consecutive games, posing a tough challenge for Edmonton.
Goaltending has also been an issue for the Oilers this season, largely due to defensive lapses. Evan Bouchard’s play has not met expectations, notably getting beaten twice for two goals against Vegas on Wednesday night. Stuart Skinner will be in goal tonight, so the Oilers’ defense will need to lay tight checks at the blue line and focus on making crisper breakout passes to their forwards, in order to win tonight.
Edmonton Lines:
Skinner – McDavid – Hyman
Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Arvidsson
Henrique – RNH – Brown
Janmark – Ryan – Perry
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Stecher
Kulak – Emberson
Skinner
Pickard
Vancouver Lines:
Suter – Miller – Garland
Hoglander – Pettersson – Debrusk
Heinen – Blueger – Sherwood
Aman – Raty – Bains
Hughes – Hronek
Soucy – Myers
Brannstrom – Desharnais
Lankinen
Silovs
Where to Watch/Listen:
Sportsnet
ESPN+
880 CHED (Edmonton)
SN CA – 650 (Vancouver)
